Bill Becomes a Law

Question 1

Citizens contact Congress and request a new law be created

Answer 1

Step 1

Question 2

Member presents draft which is forwarded to committee

Answer 2

Step 2

Question 3

Witnesses are called

Answer 3

Step 3a

Question 4

Information is gathered

Answer 4

Step 3b

Question 5

Citizens point of view is gathered and considered

Answer 5

Step 3c

Question 6

Explanation is presented of what the bill does, with reasons for support or opposition

Answer 6

Step 4

Question 7

Members share opinions

Answer 7

Step 5a

Question 8

Members vote on changes to the bill

Answer 8

Step 5b

Question 9

House sets strict limits on debates

Answer 9

Step 6a

Question 10

3/5 of senators agree to stop debating and vote

Answer 10

Step 6b

Question 11

Roll call is taken of yays and nays

Answer 11

Step 7

Question 12

Act is sent to the other chamber for consideration
ex. house -> senate

Answer 12

Step 8

Question 13

Members from both chambers meet to negotiate and have an agreement

Answer 13

Step 9a

Question 14

One chamber substitutes the text of the other bill so they can vote on the same bill

Answer 14

Step 9b

Question 15

Sent to the president

Answer 15

Step 10

Question 16

President approves act and it becomes a law

Answer 16

Step 11a

Question 17

President submits a message explaining his disapproval of the act (veto).

Answer 17

Step 11b

Question 18

2/3 of members vote to override the president veto and make the bill a law

Answer 18

Step 12